The parade was led by children from the Mustard Seed School playing toy drums. The school provides a basic education for children from homeless or transient families.

Hundreds of people marched with volunteers who provide numerous free services, including a daily hot meal.

The parade went for a short distance down Ahern Street to an open space for speeches, music and an outdoor barbecue meal.

The organization was started in 1983 by Chris and Dan Delany who began feeding homeless people at their home. Since then the organization estimates it has provided 300,000 meals to those in need.

“I thought by now we would have ended homelessness and hunger in Sacramento,” said Sister Libby Fernandez, the executive director of Loaves and Fishes. “We started in 1983 here on 12th Street serving 150 guests,” she said. “Thirty years later we have 40 programs to help end homelessness and we serve 650 guests a day.”

Mayor Kevin Johnson spoke at a ceremony to congratulate the organization and promised to seek more stable funding for homeless services.

Another speaker was Henry Harris, who said he was a street addict whose life was spiraling downward when he was helped by Loaves and Fishes.

He told the crowd that he has a full-time job, his own apartment and a new outlook on life.

“We still have the goal of ending homeless and hunger,” Fernandez said. “Until then, we will be a safe and welcoming environment for all those who need us.”